U.S. patent application number 12/844476 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-18 for tile space user interface for mobile devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Microsoft Corporation. Invention is credited to Bryan T. Agnetta, Sally Louise Barton, Peter G. Chin, Eduardo L. Escardo-Raffo, David W. Flynt, Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Tirthankar Sengupta.
Application Number | 20100293056 12/844476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37911604 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100293056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flynt; David W. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2010 |
Tile Space User Interface For Mobile Devices
Abstract
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for
providing an improved user interface for mobile devices. Data and
services available through the mobile device can be represented as
a set of tiles maintained in a display space. The tiles provide a
snapshot of the current state of content available through the
mobile device without requiring any interaction by the user. The
tiles and display space are customizable and can be dynamically
updated to display content to a user. In addition, tiles can
provide functionality, including simple tasks to a user without
requiring the user to navigate away from the tile display space.
Tiles can also provide quick access to start software applications.
Tiles can be organized in the display space by the user or the
tiles can be automatically grouped based upon associated
metadata.
Inventors: |
Flynt; David W.; (Lake
Forest Park, WA) ; Agnetta; Bryan T.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Barton; Sally Louise; (Seattle, WA) ;
Escardo-Raffo; Eduardo L.; (Seattle, WA) ; Sengupta;
Tirthankar; (Sammamish, WA) ; Chin; Peter G.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Luke; Hok-Sum Horace; (Mercer
Island, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP (MICROSOFT CORPORATION)
CIRA CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 2929 ARCH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19104-2891
US
|
Assignee: |
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
37911604 |
Appl. No.: |
12/844476 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11424733 |
Jun 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
12844476 |
|
|
|
|
60718187 |
Sep 16, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.58 ;
705/14.4; 705/14.64; 715/835 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72451 20210101;
G06Q 30/0267 20130101; H04M 1/27475 20200101; G06Q 30/0276
20130101; H04M 2250/60 20130101; G06F 2203/04803 20130101; G06Q
30/0241 20130101; H04M 1/72469 20210101; G06Q 30/0261 20130101;
G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06F 2203/04806 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.58 ;
715/835; 705/14.4; 705/14.64 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A user interface for a mobile device, comprising: an interface
component, wherein the interface component obtains content; a tile
space component that manages a plurality of tiles dynamically
updated based at least in part on the content, wherein the tile
space component comprises a navigation component that automatically
navigates to display a tile of the plurality of tiles that has
updated content; and a display component that displays a view of a
tile space.
2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tile space component
further comprises a tile position component that clusters related
tiles within the tile space based at least in part on metadata.
3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tile space component
further comprises a tile position component that gravitates a first
tile toward a position on the tile space based at least in part on
a user classification and a first tile metadata.
4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tiles
include a tile generated by a remote vendor.
5. The user interface of claim 4, wherein the vendor generated tile
displays an advertisement based upon a proximity of the mobile
device to a location.
6. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the updated content tile
is an active tile.
7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein when the updated content
tile is the active tile the remainder of the plurality of tiles are
displayed in at least one of a background or thumbnail view.
8. A processor-implemented method, comprising: a processor
generating a customizable display space capable of managing a
plurality of dynamically updating tiles; the processor
automatically navigating to display a tile of the plurality of
tiles that has updated content; and displaying a view of the tile
with updated content on a display screen of a mobile device.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising clustering related
tiles within a tile space based at least in part on metadata.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising gravitating a first
tile toward a position on a tile space based at least in part on a
user classification and a first tile metadata.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of tiles include a
tile generated by a remote vendor.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the vendor generated tile
displays an advertisement based upon a proximity of a mobile device
containing said processor to a location.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising navigating through
the display space by zooming between different zoom depths within
the display space
14. The method of claim 8, wherein displaying a view of the display
space further comprises selecting an active tile from the plurality
of tiles and displaying an enlarged, summary view of the active
tile.
15. A computer-readable storage medium storing executable
instructions that when executed by a processor cause said processor
to implement the steps comprising: generating a customizable tile
space capable of managing a plurality of tiles; populating the
customizable tile space with the plurality of tiles; dynamically
updating the one or more selected tiles based at least in part on
content of the selected one or more tiles; selecting automatically
a tile from a set of available tiles based at least in part on
updated content; and displaying a view of the tile with updated
content on a display screen of a mobile device.
16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further
including instructions for panning through the tile space and
selecting a tile from the plurality of tiles for an enlarged
view.
17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further
including instructions for displaying a vendor generated tile
wherein the vendor generated tile displays an advertisement.
18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the
advertisement is displayed based at least in part on content.
19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further
including instructions for gravitating a first tile toward a
position on the tile space based at least in part on a user
classification and a first tile metadata.
20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further
including instructions for receiving user input for navigating
through the tile space based at least in part on the user input.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/424,733, filed Jun. 16, 2006, entitled
"TILE SPACE USER INTERFACE FOR MOBILE DEVICES," which claims the
benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/718,187, filed
Sep. 16, 2005, entitled "ENHANCED PORTABLE DEVICE NAVIGATION
TOOLS." The contents of each of the above-referenced applications
are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile or portable devices have become increasingly popular
and prevalent in today's society. Many users utilize a mobile
device, such as a cellphone, as their primary means of
communication and carry such devices with them constantly. Mobile
devices can include multiple functions such as cellular phone
service, voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP") phone service,
software applications, email access, Internet capabilities,
calendar functions, music players and the like. Functions, features
and capabilities have increased both the utility and complexity of
mobile devices. It is likely that functions will continue to be
added to mobile devices further increasing both usefulness and
intricacy.
[0003] While consumers desire additional functionality, the sheer
volume of information and features make it difficult for users to
access commonly used data and functions. Mobile device complexity
also makes it difficult for users to fully exploit the capabilities
of such devices. The problem is exacerbated by the generally
limited user interfaces of mobile devices. Such devices are
designed to be small, lightweight and easily portable.
Consequently, mobile devices typically have limited display
screens, keypads, keyboards and/or other input devices. Due to the
size of the user input devices and display screens, it may be
difficult for users to enter, retrieve and view information using
mobile devices.
[0004] Users may have difficulty in accessing the information or
function they desire due to the organization of the volume and
variety of information that may be contained in or accessed by the
mobile device, as well as the growing number of functions such
devices are capable of supporting. Conventional menu structures for
mobile devices require users to remember a hierarchy of functions
or applications to reach the desired data or task. Information is
frequently organized based upon the application software that
provides or manages the information. Consequently, users can be
required to access information based upon the various software
applications rather than based upon user utility. Users can become
frustrated when they are unable to locate the desired information
or tasks and may be unable to fully exploit the advantages of the
mobile device.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed
subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present
some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] Briefly described, the provided subject matter concerns an
improved user interface for mobile devices such as smartphones,
personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like. An enhanced,
customizable user interface can be updated dynamically to provide
users with content without requiring user interaction. Users can
monitor status and/or data of content accessible through the mobile
device by simply observing the user interface.
[0007] The user interface can include a set of dynamic tiles. The
tiles can include graphics, text or any other visual data. A number
of tiles can be displayed using thumbnail views that provide
minimal data. In addition, a tile can be selected as the active
tile and displayed in an enlarged view including additional
content. Tiles can be updated to reflect changes to associated
content accessible through the mobile device. Content can be local
to the mobile device or located remotely. For example, a tile can
include data provided by an Internet subscription news service.
Tiles can also provide independent functionality, including simple
tasks, to users without requiring users to navigate away from the
tile display space. In addition, tiles can provide users with
quick, direct access to launch software applications available
through the mobile device.
[0008] Tiles can be positioned within a tile space. A tile space
can be any shape or size and can extend beyond the edges of a
display screen of a mobile device. Users can utilize a keypad,
stylus or the like to pan the display to view additional portions
of the tile space. In addition, the active tile can be updated
based upon navigation through the tile space, allowing users to see
a summary view of additional tiles.
[0009] Tiles can be positioned or placed within a tile space to
optimize presentation of content to users. Users can specifically
position tiles within the tile space. In addition, the user
interface can perform certain basic organization tasks to position
tiles within a tile space. For example, the user interface can
reorganize tiles to remove gaps between tiles. The user interface
can also group or cluster tiles based upon metadata associated with
the tiles. For instance, the user interface can group tiles
associated with work-related projects in the lower, left portion of
the tile space while grouping tiles associated with a user's
personal life in the upper, right portion of the tile space.
[0010] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways
in which the subject matter may be practiced, all of which are
intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following description is better understood when read in
conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of
illustrating the tile space user interface for mobile devices,
there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the tile
space user interface for mobile devices; however, the tile space
user interface for mobile devices is not limited to the specific
methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing a tile
space display in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for providing a tile
space display in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary display depicting a tile space in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exemplary display depicting an independent tile
in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exemplary display depicting a content tile in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exemplary display depicting a content tile in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exemplary display depicting an alert in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates navigation of an exemplary display in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed out display in accordance with
an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology for providing a tile space
in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a methodology for navigating a tile
space in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a methodology for updating a tile space
in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology for updating a tile space
based upon a user profile in accordance with an aspect described
herein.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable
operating environment.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a sample-computing
environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The various aspects of the subject matter described herein
are now described with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein
like numerals refer to like or corresponding elements throughout.
It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed
description relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed
subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "component," "system" and the like
are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on
computer and the computer can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers.
[0029] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. The subject matter disclosed
herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs.
[0030] Content on mobile devices can take many forms including, but
not limited to, contact information, calendar items, mail, music,
photos, documents, and tasks or actions. Access to content
including data and available tasks is typically provided only
through software applications specific to the data type of the
content, such as an application used to create or render the
specific content data type. For example, to read email from a
contact, a user may be required to navigate to and open an email
application. To telephone that same contact with a question
regarding that email, the user may be required to navigate to the
space where that contact's communication details are visible (e.g.,
a contact card specifying contact specific information). Finding
relevant information can require first determining the appropriate
software application, opening the application and searching for the
relevant information within the application. To view mail from a
specific sender, the user may be required to navigate to an email
application and search by the sender's name.
[0031] An enhanced user interface can include a tile space that can
function as a home screen for a user, providing relevant content
and quick access to applications. The tile space can provide users
with a view or dashboard to monitor the current state of a subset
of content obtainable through the mobile device. Many of the most
frequently used functions or data can be accessed without
navigating away from the tile space. The tile space can be capable
of managing any number of tiles. One or more sets of tiles can be
customized to provide for a particular user.
[0032] Individual tiles can provide users with access to
applications, application content, remote content and/or
independent functionality. One or more tiles can provide a user
with the data and tasks most likely to be relevant to the
particular user without requiring the user to leave the tile space.
Typically, tiles are represented in a small or thumbnail view that
provides some minimal amount of information. One tile, referred to
herein as the active tile, can be shown in an expanded or summary
view. An expanded view of the active tile allows additional
information or functions to be provided to a user without
necessitating navigation from the tile space to an application
space. Users can select an active tile from the set of tiles
managed by a tile space.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a display system 100 for a mobile
device in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein is illustrated. The system 100 can include a tile space
component 102 that receives input from one or more interface
components 104 and changes the view of a tile space on a mobile
device (not shown) via a display component 106 according to such
input. The system 100 can operate on any type of mobile device,
including, but not limited to, a PDA, text messenger, cellular
phone, pocket personal computer, smartphone, ultra-mobile tablet PC
and the like. Input from the interface component 104 can include
content obtained from one or more software applications. Input can
also include user input generated using a touch screen, keypad,
joystick, or any other type of control. A single interface
component 104 is illustrated herein for simplicity; however, as
shown in FIG. 2, multiple interface components can be utilized
including separate interface components for user input and input
from applications.
[0034] The interface component 104 can include or can be connected
to a content sharing system capable of facilitating sharing of
content from multiple software applications. A content sharing
system can provide a standard interface between clients such as the
interface component 104 and applications providing content. This
interface ensures that clients need not have knowledge of the
underlying data structures or even the identity of applications to
access content.
[0035] A content sharing system can manage the supply of data and
simple tasks associated with the data to the interface component
104. Applications can register new categories or classifications of
data and associated tasks with the content sharing system,
automatically allowing the interface component 104 to access the
new data categories and tasks. Applications can also provide the
content sharing system with data supplier components capable of
retrieving data from the underlying data stores of the
applications. In addition, applications can provide task executors
capable of executing actions or tasks on data items of selected
data types or categories. The central content sharing system can
provide data and tasks to clients in response to queries or
requests.
[0036] The interface component 104 can obtain data and associated
tasks by generating a query specifying the category or type of data
requested as well as context used to identify relevant data of the
requested category. A set of data requests based upon the query
from the interface component 104 can be distributed to data
supplier components for various software applications. The data
supplier components can retrieve the relevant data from the
underlying data stores of associated applications and the retrieved
results can be assembled and returned to the interface component
104. The query, data requests and query results can be specified in
a declarative language, such as extended markup language (XML) to
facilitate transfer of data without requiring knowledge of data
structures by the client.
[0037] In another embodiment, the interface component 104 can
interact directly with one or more software applications.
Applications can notify the interface component 104 of a change to
content and provide updated content directly to the interface
component 104. In addition, the interface component can poll or
request content from one or more applications either dynamically or
periodically.
[0038] The tile space component 102 can include an input component
108 that obtains, receives and/or requests input including user
input and content from the interface component 104. The input can
be used to generate the view of the tile space. In addition, the
tile space component 102 can include a tile manager component 110
that manages a set of tiles that can be displayed in a tile
space.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, the display system 100 can include
multiple interface components that provide input to the tile space
component 102. The display system 100 can include a user interface
component 202 that provides for input from a user. The system can
also include a local interface component 204 that provides local
content including data and tasks from software applications local
to the mobile device. In addition, the system can include a remote
interface component 206 that allows for input from remote sources.
For instance, a remote interface component 206 can obtain data from
an Internet source. One or more of the interface components can be
combined into a single interface component.
[0040] The tile manager component 110 can include a display tile
component 208 and an available tile component 210. An available
tile component 210 can manage a set of all tiles currently
available for inclusion in the tile space. The set of tiles
currently managed in the tile space are referred to herein as the
display tiles and are managed by the display tile component 208.
The display tiles can be a subset of the set of available tiles
offered by the available tile component 210. For example, a large
number of possible tiles can be generated either by users, vendors
or other entities. Users can select from this large set of
available tiles to determine tiles to include within the set of
display tiles. Users can customize the set of available tiles
and/or display tiles by adding or deleting tiles. The set of
available tiles can be identical to the display tiles if all
available tiles are included within the tile space.
[0041] Users can generate and/or utilize one or more user profiles
that specify one or more tiles from the available tiles to be
included in the set of display tiles. The profile component 212 can
manage one or more user profiles. Different user profiles can be
generated to reflect the varying needs or interests of a user.
Profiles can be generated based upon location, time of day, day of
week, user context or any other user condition that can affect the
set of tiles most likely to be relevant to the user. For example, a
user can specify a work profile that includes a set of tiles
specific to the user's occupation. The user can also create a
separate user profile for use outside of work. For instance, users
can create weekend profiles including tiles associated with
entertainment information, personal contacts and the like. Users
can also create profiles specific to geographic locations.
Geographic profiles can be particularly useful for users that
travel frequently. A user profile can also affect other mobile
device or user interface settings and need not be limited to
specification of display tiles.
[0042] Selection of a user profile can update, reorganize, add or
delete display tiles. Users can view a list of possible user
profiles and select the most appropriate profile for their current
context or state. Alternatively, a user profile can be
automatically selected based upon one or more predetermined
conditions, such as time of day or day of week. For example, a
determination can be made that it is a weekend day and a weekend
user profile can be utilized to select or organize a set of display
tiles. During weekdays, an alternate set of tiles can be displayed
based upon a weekday profile. User profiles can also be selected
based at least in part upon geographic location. If the mobile
device is capable of determining location, whether using a global
positioning system (GPS) or any other manner of determining
location, a profile can be selected based upon location of the
mobile device. The mobile device can determine if the user is at
home, at work or on travel and select the most appropriate user
profile. A user can override any user profile selections either by
electing a different user profile or by individually adding and/or
deleting tiles from the current set of display tiles.
[0043] The tile manager component 110 can include a navigation
component 214 that controls movement through the tile space. The
tile space can extend beyond the limits of the display screen of
the mobile device. To view portions of the tile space not currently
shown on a display screen a user can indicate a direction to
navigate within the tile space via the user interface component
202. The navigation component 214 can determine the tiles in the
tile space currently visible and track and update the tiles.
Navigation can update the active tile. Typically only one tile is
active at any one time; the remainder of the tiles is displayed in
a background or thumbnail view. Navigating through the tile space
changes the tile that has focus, updating the active tile shown in
the summary view.
[0044] The navigation component 214 can automatically control
navigation through the tile space. For example, the navigation
component 214 can automatically navigate to the center of the tile
space upon start up. In addition, the navigation component 214 can
automatically navigate to display tiles with updated content.
[0045] In addition, the tile manager component 110 can include a
tile position component 216 that controls the placement of tiles
within the tile space. Tiles can be positioned within the tile
space using a variety of methods. Users can specify the position of
any or all tiles. In addition, the tile position component 216 can
automatically perform certain basic organization operations. For
example, the tile position component 216 can prevent a tile from
becoming separated from the remainder of the tiles within the tile
space by automatically adding or moving tiles adjacent to existing
tiles, if any, and removing empty spaces between tiles.
[0046] The tile position component 216 can group or cluster related
tiles within the tile space. The tile position component 216 can
utilize metadata associated with tiles to position like tiles in
proximity to each other. Tiles can be grouped based upon user
generated classifications and/or metadata. For instance, a user can
classify all work-related tiles with one code and classify personal
contacts with a second, separate code, thereby creating two
distinct clusters of tiles in the tile space. Users can also
specify portions of the tile space associated with the
classifications. For instance, work-related tiles can be clustered
in the upper left portion of the tile space, while personal
contacts can be clustered in the bottom right portion of the tile
space. Tiles can also be clustered by date of creation, type of
data managed by the tile or any other data associated with a
tile.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary user interface display
300 including a view of a tile space is illustrated. The user
interface display 300 can include a title bar 302 that can include
icons, images and/or text indicating the current time, battery
power, connectivity or any other status indicators for the mobile
device. The user interface display 300 can also include a view of a
tile space 304. A view of the tile space 304 can include all or a
portion of the tile space displayed on the user interface display
300. The tile space 304 can be represented as a grid of rectangular
graphic tiles. Each tile can have two separate visual
representations, active and background. The tile space 304 can
include one or more tiles 306 in background or thumbnail view. A
single background tile 306 is numbered here for simplicity, however
as shown in FIG. 3, the tile space 304 can include a plurality of
background tiles 306.
[0048] The tile space 304 can also include a tile in active or
summary view 308. The tile currently in focus is referred to as the
active tile 308, shown in summary view. The active tile 308 can
include additional information, function and features not available
when the tile is shown in background view. For example, a
background tile 306 associated with weather information can include
the current temperature and conditions in background view. The
active or summary view of the same tile can provide additional
weather information such as a three day forecast.
[0049] In addition, the user interface display 300 can include a
softkey bar 310 including one or more softkey functions labels
(e.g., Home, Options and More). A softkey is typically a button
located proximate to the display space. Generally, the function of
the button is defined by the softkey function label shown near the
button on the display space. The controls and features illustrated
in FIG. 3 are exemplary. Alternative or additional controls and
features can be included in a user interface display 300.
[0050] The tile space 304, background tiles 306 and active tile 308
can present data and tasks to a user at a central location. In
addition, tiles can provide users with information without
requiring the user to leave the tile space 304. For instance, even
in background view the weather tile 306 can provide a user with
weather information at a glance (e.g., current temperature and
conditions). Additional information can be obtained by navigating
to the weather tile 306. The user is not required to leave the tile
space 304 to obtain the additional information. Moreover, tiles are
not limited to simply providing content. Tiles can include various
functions, features and capabilities, described in further detail
below.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary display 400 including
an independent tile is illustrated. The tile space 304 can support
a variety of tile types, including an independent tile 402, shown
here in active or summary view. Independent tiles reside only in
tile space and have no link to content or other applications either
local to the mobile device or remote. Independent tiles offer
functionality without requiring navigation away from the tile
space. The independent tile 402 of FIG. 4 provides an alarm
function. The alarm can be set, cancelled, monitored and responded
to without leaving the tile space 304. Users can utilize the alarm
tile 402 to track the amount of time left in a parking meter. A
background view of the tile can include text indicating the time
remaining before the alarm sounds.
[0052] Independent tiles can host controls with which the user can
interact to preclude requiring the user to navigate away from the
tile space to an application. For example, an independent tile can
provide a calculator function. A keypad for a mobile device can
provide users with the ability to enter numbers. The calculator
tile can utilize basic controls such as on screen buttons to
implement operators (e.g., +, -, / or *). In another example, an
independent tile can provide a simple messaging function.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary display 500 including
a content tile 502, shown here in summary view, is illustrated.
Content tiles can display or represent content provided or
maintained by a software application local to the mobile device.
For example, the mobile device can include a contact software
application that maintains a list of contacts with associated
contact cards. Contacts are generally individuals or entities and
contact cards generally include information associated with a
contact (e.g., name, title, telephone number, email address,
physical address and the like). A content tile 502 can act as a
shortcut to a contact card included in the contact list maintained
by the contact software application on the mobile device. If the
content tile 502 is a background tile, the thumbnail view can
include an image of the contact, text or any other information
regarding the contact. The content tile 502 can include a context
indicator for the contact. The context indicator can show the
current state of the contact such as whether the contact is online,
the contact's location or any other property of the contact. In
summary or background view the content tile for the contact can
include graphics, text and any other information associated with
the contact.
[0054] A content tile 502 can also provide the user with the
ability to launch the software application associated with the
content. Users can view limited content information from a
background tile. Users can view additional content information
using the summary view. However, the user may wish to perform
additional functions, such as updating the contact card. The
content tile 502 can provide a user with the ability to launch the
full contact application directly from the tile space, without
requiring the user to navigate to a menu of available
applications.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary display 600 including
a content tile 602 associated with remote content, shown here in
summary view, is illustrated. Content can be retrieved or obtained
from a remote source, such as a server. Vendors of services or data
can generate and offer tiles to users. For example, a vendor that
maintains an online auction website can provide an auction specific
tile to a user, such as content tile 602. The auction tile 602 can
track the current status of any auctions in which the user is
participating, indicating auction information such as the current
bid or time remaining in an auction. The content tile 602
associated with the auction can update dynamically to reflect
content obtained from the remote source (e.g., additional bids by
the user and expiration of item auctions). Tiles can be dynamically
updated based upon updated content without direct action by the
user.
[0056] Content tiles can obtain a variety of content from remote
sources. For instance, a user may subscribe to a news service. A
tile can display a subset of news provided by the news service
and/or as well as an indication of important news bulletins. In a
further example, a tile can provide user with access to one or more
maps frequently utilized by the user. Typically, geographic data
sets such as maps are large. A mobile device may not have the
capacity to store multiple maps. Here, a tile can provide quick
access to a selected set of maps stored in a remote data store.
[0057] Vendors can provide tiles to users as a service. Users can
be required to subscribe to the service to obtain content.
Alternatively, vendors can provide tiles to users to perform
targeted advertising. For example, a clothing retailer can provide
a tile that includes data corresponding to online coupons based
upon the user's past purchases. In addition, the retailer can
provide additional information such as new products tailored to the
users buying patterns. In addition, content of the tile can be
updated based upon user location. For instance, the provided
coupons can be selected based upon proximity of the user to a
specific store. Other content accessible from the tile can include
information regarding the closest retailer location.
[0058] Content tiles can also provide the ability to directly
access an associated remote service without having to navigate to a
menu of applications. Looking again at the example regarding the
online auction, after viewing the summary view, a user can elect to
select the tile and access the online auction. An online auction
browser can be launched offering the user greater ability to view
and interact with desired content, in this case the online
auction.
[0059] The tile space can also include one or more application
tiles. An application tile provides a user with quick, direct
access to an application. Activation of an application tile
launches the associated application without requiring a user to
navigate to a list of applications to search and select the desired
application. For instance, an application tile can provide a link
to a game or other application. Thumbnail and summary views for
application tiles can include graphics, text or other suitable
visual cues to allow a user to easily identify the application.
[0060] The tile space can also include shortcut tiles. Shortcut
tiles can provide shortcuts or links to any other location on the
mobile device. For example, the mobile device can include another
user interface for navigating mobile device content. Users can
utilize a shortcut tile to leave the tile space and navigate to the
alternate user interface.
[0061] Tiles can include any combination of text, graphic images,
hyperlinks or any other visual representation in both summary view
and thumbnail view. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, icon, graphic
images and/or text can be rendered within the same tile. Further,
an image can be used as the background of the tile with text
overlaying the image. Each individual tile can include multiple
cells or columns that can be populated with data of varying data
types. For instance, a messaging tile can include a column or cell
for an icon that can reflect the method of communication (e.g.,
voicemail or text message), a cell for text including the message
content and a cell for text including the sender name. Different
columns or cells can have separate tasks associated with the
individual columns. Accordingly, selection of an icon within a tile
can generate different task options than selection of the sender
text in the same tile. In addition, tiles can include audio cues or
data. For example, audio data may be triggered when a tile is
active or selected.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary display 700 including
a background tile 702 and an active tile 704, including alerts or
notifications, is illustrated. A notification or alert, as used
herein, is an indicator of a change in state, such as updated or
additional content. Notifications can include changes to text, text
color, font, background or other visual cues utilized to make users
aware of changes associated with a tile. A tile can include an
alert or notification in either summary or thumbnail views. For
example, the border color of background tile 702 can be modified to
indicate change. A user can obtain additional information by
navigating to the background tile 702 and observing the summary
view of the tile. Active tile 704 can also include one or more
alerts or notifications of change to associated content. For
example, the active tile 704 includes icons representing telephone
messages and email messages. Alerts can be represented as text,
shown here as parenthetical numbers adjacent to the icons. The text
alerts can indicate newly received voicemail and email messages.
Notifications and alerts are not limited to the examples
illustrated herein. Alerts and notifications can include any audio,
visual or tactile indicia, or any combination thereof.
[0063] The tiles described herein are managed in a tile space. The
tile space can include any number of tiles. The tile space can be a
fixed, predetermined size. Alternatively, users can specify the
size of the tile space. In yet another alternative, the size of the
tile space can vary depending upon the number and location of tiles
positioned within the tile space. The tile space can dynamically
grow and shrink as tiles are added and deleted. Although the tile
space has been illustrated herein as a grid of rectangular tiles,
neither the tile space nor the tiles are limited to a rectangular
form. Generally, tiles can be similarly sized to facilitate tile
management and usability; however, tiles can vary in size. In
addition, tiles have been depicted at evenly spaced intervals;
however, the tile space can allow random or uneven distribution of
tiles. Any arrangement of tiles that is useful to users can be
utilized.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 8, navigation within a tile space
display is illustrated. As described above, the tile space can be
of any size or dimension. Consequently, the tile space can extend
beyond the borders of the display screen of the mobile device. As a
user provides input through the user interface, the tile space
component, in particular the navigation component, can communicate
the necessary data to the display component, which can respond by
changing the view of the tile space. For instance, suppose that the
user indicates movement downward toward the bottom of the display
screen. In response, the display component can shift the view
downward to reveal tiles that were previously off the screen. In
addition, the tile in active view can be updated. Movement within
the tile space need not be limited to simple vertical or horizontal
panning.
[0065] The tile space can facilitate navigation through the tile
space providing for wrapping or warping at the edges of the tile
space. For example, if a user continues to indicate movement to the
right within the tile space, eventually the user will encounter the
edge of the tile space. However, the tile space can warp or wrap to
the leftmost edge of the tile space. Consequently, the tile space
can form a continuous ring or loop. By continuing to indicate
movement to the right, a user will eventually return to the initial
portion of the tile space. Alternatively, the tile space can wrap
or warp in the vertical direction.
[0066] Zones or regions can be defined within the tile space to
assist in navigation of the tile space. For example, the tile space
can be divided into quadrants with a distinct background color can
be chosen for each quadrant. This pattern of background colors can
allow users to quickly identify their location within the tile
space. A predefined set of zones or quadrants can provide users
with any easy method for establishing location. However, any
background pattern that allows users to orient within the tile
space can be utilized.
[0067] The appearance of the tile space and tiles can also be
customizable. Color schemes, themes and/or skins can be selected by
the user to personalize the appearance of the tiles, the tile space
or any portion thereof. A user can customize appearance of tile
space and tiles based upon aesthetic preferences or to enhance
usability. For instance, individual tile spaces, tile space zones
or tiles can have separate colors, themes or skins to allow a user
to identify a tile, tile space or location within a tile space at a
glance.
[0068] The user interface can enhance navigation of the tile space
by providing users with a method for returning to a home location
or tile, such as the center or center tile of the tile space. For
example, the user interface can include a button that immediately
jumps or warps to the tile space home. Return to the tile space
home can be triggered using a button, a stylus or any other method
of input for the mobile device.
[0069] Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary display 900 depicting
a zoomed out display of the tile space is illustrated. The
navigation component can provide a zoom function. Zooming out
allows a user to determine current location within the tile space.
While in the zoom out view, the user can select an alternate
portion of the tile space for viewing. After selecting a portion of
the tile space, the user can elect to zoom in. At that point the
display component will update the display to view the portion of
the tile space selected by the user. During zoom out, smaller
representations of tiles can be used to allow for the display of
additional tiles within the display screen of the mobile device.
The zoom out display need not include an active tile. The smaller
tile representations can include graphics or any visual indicia. In
addition, a display screen indicator (not shown) can be illustrated
on the screen. The display screen indicator can be drawn as a box
or border showing the portion of the tile space to be displayed
upon zoom in. By indicating movement, the user can reposition the
display screen indicator within the tile space and thereby update
the portion of the tile space to be displayed. Alternatively, the
user can select a tile and on zoom in, the selected tile can be
displayed as the active tile, centered in the mobile device display
screen.
[0070] Tiles can be organized within the tile space in any manner
that enhances usability for a user. For example, users can manually
place or position each tile within the tile space. Tiles associated
with a class of information can be grouped together. For example, a
user can have several tiles devoted to persons. The user may wish
to group all such tiles within the tile space. Consequently, the
user can navigate to the portion of the tile space containing the
tiles devoted to people to determine the status of all of the
contacts at one time. Grouping related tiles can be used in
combination with the zones or quadrants described above. For
example, the users may elect to position all contact tiles within
the upper left quadrant of the tile space. Work-related tiles can
be grouped in the bottom right quadrant of the tile space, and so
forth. Consequently, background color can indicate not only
location within the tile space, but also the type of tile.
[0071] Alternatively or additionally, tile position component can
automatically organize or place tiles. The tile position component
can infer appropriate groups or clusters of tiles based upon the
class of information reference by the tiles (e.g., contacts, games
and the like), or by any other metadata associated with a tile.
Tiles can have a gravity or magnetism based upon any metadata such
as tile origin, tile content, user classification of the tile or
any other data. Like tiles can gravitate toward each other based
upon this gravity or magnetism. Tile magnetism can be used in
combination with user classifications or selections to maintain
order and organization within the tile space. In particular, as
tiles are deleted and added to the tile space, tile clustering
using magnetism can facilitate maintaining order within the tile
space. Automatic tile management can help prevent cluttering and
randomization of the tile space.
[0072] The aforementioned systems have been described with respect
to interaction between several components. It should be appreciated
that such systems and components can include those components or
sub-components specified therein, some of the specified components
or sub-components, and/or additional components. Sub-components
could also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to
other components rather than included within parent components.
Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may be
combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality
or divided into several sub-components. The components may also
interact with one or more other components not specifically
described herein but known by those of skill in the art.
[0073] Furthermore, as will be appreciated various portions of the
disclosed systems above and methods below may include or consist of
artificial intelligence or knowledge or rule based components,
sub-components, processes, means, methodologies, or mechanisms
(e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert systems,
Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines,
classifiers . . . ). Such components, inter alia, can automate
certain mechanisms or processes performed thereby to make portions
of the systems and methods more adaptive as well as efficient and
intelligent.
[0074] In view of the exemplary systems described supra,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
disclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10-13. While for purposes of simplicity
of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a
series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methodologies described hereinafter.
[0075] Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as
used, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from
any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 10, a methodology for updating a tile
space in accordance with an aspect described herein is illustrated.
At 1002, a tile space is generated for a mobile device. The tile
space can be of any size or configuration, such as a rectangular
grid or a continuous loop. The tile space can be populated with one
or more tiles at 1004. The tiles can be placed within the tile
space according to the specifications of a user. Alternatively or
additionally, tiles can be placed in the tile space according to
tile parameters, such as classes of data associated with the tiles.
The tile space can be larger than the available screen of the
mobile device. Accordingly, a view of the tile space can include a
selected portion of the tile space. The portion of the tile space
shown in the mobile device screen can be determined based upon user
input. Alternatively, a default portion of the tile space can be
shown. A view of the tile space can be displayed on the screen of
the mobile device at 1006.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 11, a methodology for updating a tile
space in response to user input in accordance with an aspect
described herein is illustrated. At 1102, user input is received.
User input can be provided using a keypad, an on-screen button, a
joystick and the like. For example, with a multi-directional pad
either on-screen or mapped to a keypad or joystick, the user can
nudge or move in a desired direction to see other tiles or
collections of tiles. The method navigates through the tile space
in accordance with user input at 1104. Based upon navigation of the
tile space, the active tile and the background tiles visible on
screen can be determined. The view dependent at least in part upon
the user's input can be displayed at 1106.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 12, a methodology for updating a tile
space in accordance with an aspect described herein is illustrated.
At 1202, an update of the tiles, including both the active tile and
the background tiles, is triggered. Updates can be triggered by
user input such as addition, deletion or modification of tiles.
Tiles can also be updated periodically. Tile updates can also be
triggered by changes in content associated with the tiles. The
content associated with a tile can be obtained at 1204. Content can
be obtained upon request. At 1206, the tiles and tile space can be
updated based upon the updated content. At 1208, a determination is
made as to whether there are additional tiles for which updated
content should be retrieved. If yes, the method returns to 1204 and
updated information is obtained for the next tile. If no, the
display can be updated at 1210 to show the updated tile space.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 13, a methodology for updating a tile
space based upon a user profile in accordance with an aspect
described herein is illustrated. At 1302, a user profile can be
selected from one or more possible user profiles. User profiles can
define the tiles available for display on the mobile device and can
be specified to provide the user with relevant content based upon
the user's context. Selection of a user profile can be based upon
location of the mobile device, time of day, day of the week or any
other relevant information. At 1304, the tiles to be displayed are
selected based upon the user profile. The view of tile space is
determined at 1306. For example, the display tiles can include a
default tile, such that the display is centered on the default
tile. At 1308, the tile space can be updated in accordance with the
selected user profile.
[0080] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIGS. 14 and 15 as well as the following
discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of
a suitable environment in which the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter may be implemented. While the subject
matter has been described above in the general context of
computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on
a mobile device including a computer and/or computers, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the innovations described
herein also may be implemented in combination with other program
modules or software applications. Generally, program modules
include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that
perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
inventive methods may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor
computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as
well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA,
phone, watch . . . ), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
or industrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects
may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. However, some, if not all aspects
of the subject matter described herein can be practiced on
stand-alone computers, including mobile devices. In a distributed
computing environment, program modules may be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0081] With reference again to FIG. 14, the exemplary environment
1400 for implementing various aspects of the embodiments includes a
mobile device or computer 1402, the computer 1402 including a
processing unit 1404, a system memory 1406 and a system bus 1408.
The system bus 1408 couples system components including, but not
limited to, the system memory 1406 to the processing unit 1404. The
processing unit 1404 can be any of various commercially available
processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi processor
architectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1404.
[0082] The system memory 1406 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1410
and random access memory (RAM) 1412. A basic input/output system
(BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 1410 such as ROM, EPROM,
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 1402,
such as during start-up. The RAM 1412 can also include a high-speed
RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
[0083] The computer or mobile device 1402 further includes an
internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which
internal hard disk drive 1414 may also be configured for external
use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive
(FDD) 1416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette
1418) and an optical disk drive 1420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk
1422 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media
such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1414, magnetic disk drive
1416 and optical disk drive 1420 can be connected to the system bus
1408 by a hard disk drive interface 1424, a magnetic disk drive
interface 1426 and an optical drive interface 1428, respectively.
The interface 1424 for external drive implementations includes at
least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1494
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the subject systems and
methods.
[0084] The drives and their associated computer-readable media
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. Consequently, the
tile instructions can be stored using the drives and their
associated computer-readable media. For the computer 1402, the
drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable
digital format. Although the description of computer-readable media
above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a
removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media
that are readable by a computer may be used.
[0085] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1412, including an operating system 1430, one or more
application programs 1432, other program modules 1434 and program
data 1436. The application programs 1432 can provide content for
the tiles. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1412. It is
appreciated that the systems and methods can be implemented with
various commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0086] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 1438 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1440. Other
input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote
control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the
like. These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 1404 through an input device interface 1442 that is
coupled to the system bus 1408, but can be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1494 serial port, a
game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc. A display device 1444
can be used to provide a set of tiles to a user. The display
devices can be connected to the system bus 1408 via an interface,
such as a video adapter 1446.
[0087] The mobile device or computer 1402 may operate in a
networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or
wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a
remote computer(s) 1448. For example, the tile instructions can be
local to the computer 1402 and software applications can be located
remotely on a remote computer 1448. The remote computer(s) 1448 can
be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer,
portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a
peer device or other common network node, and typically includes
many or all of the elements described relative to the computer
1402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage
device 1450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted
include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN)
1452 and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1454.
Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices
and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks,
such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global
communications network, e.g., the Internet.
[0088] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1402
is connected to the local network 1452 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1456. The
adaptor 1456 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1452, which may also include a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1456.
[0089] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1402
can include a modem 1458, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1454, or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1454, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1458, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1408 via the serial
port interface 1442. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1402, or portions thereof, can be
stored in the remote memory/storage device 1450. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0090] The computer 1402 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, PDA, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or
location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a
kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. The wireless devices
or entities include at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless
technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication
between at least two devices.
[0091] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;
anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can
be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps
(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a sample environment
1500 with which the systems and methods described herein can
interact. The system 1500 includes one or more mobile device(s)
1502. The mobile device(s) 1502 can be hardware and/or software
(e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The system 1500 also
includes one or more server(s) 1504. Thus, system 1500 can
correspond to a two-tier client server model or a multi-tier model
(e.g., client, middle tier server, data server), amongst other
models. The server(s) 1504 can also be hardware and/or software
(e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). One possible
communication between a mobile device 1502 and a server 1504 may be
in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two
or more computer processes. The system 1500 includes a
communication framework 1506 that can be employed to facilitate
communications between the mobile device(s) 1502 and the server(s)
1504. The mobile device(s) 1502 are operably connected to one or
more data store(s) 1508 that can be employed to store information
local to the mobile device(s) 1502. Similarly, the server(s) 1504
are operably connected to one or more server data store(s) 1510
that can be employed to store information local to the servers
1504.
[0093] The disclosed subject matter may be implemented as a system,
method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a
computer or processor based device to implement aspects detailed
herein. The term "article of manufacture" (or alternatively,
"computer program product") as used herein is intended to encompass
a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include
but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk,
floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact
disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and
flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionally it should be
appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry
computer-readable electronic data such as those used in
transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a
network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of
course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications
may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope
or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
[0094] What has been described above includes examples of aspects
of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to
describe every conceivable combination of components or
methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject
matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that
many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed subject
matter are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is
intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and
variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has"
or "having" are used in either the detailed description or the
claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when
employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *